Bible Pathways 04/14/05

Date

April 14

 

Read II Samuel 10 -- 12

 

In Today's Reading:

 

The Ammonites and Syrians defeated; Bathsheba and David; Nathan's parable and David's repentance; birth of Solomon

 

David, king of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted. And it came to pass, after the year was expired (in the spring), at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem (II Samuel 11:1). Satan always has something or someone to attract us when we are in a position to gratify our fleshly desires. He always presents sin as both attractive and satisfying.

 

For David, his spiritual defeat began with a look of lust at the beautiful Bathsheba. David knew that adultery was a wicked sin against God and was punishable by death (see Leviticus 20:10). However, David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in to him, and he lay with her. . . . and she returned to her house (II Samuel 11:4). One sin usually leads to another and to unforeseen complications, as well as to other evils.

 

From the moment David first lusted after Bathsheba until their marriage, no one interfered with their pleasure. However, about one year later, Nathan the prophet boldly confronted David: Wherefore have you despised the Commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? (12:9). Because of David's adultery, Nathan foretold: Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house; because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house, and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun (publicly) (12:10-11). Deeply grieved and repentant, David confessed: I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said to David, The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die (12:13).

 

Although forgiven, the next twenty years — the entire last half of his reign, until his death — David's sorrows and sufferings never ceased because of that one night of yielding to his lust. Because of David's sincere repentance, as recorded in Psalm 51, God forgave him. But forgiveness does not remove the inevitable results of sin.

 

In addition to facing God on Judgment Day, no one can avoid the bitter consequences of yielding to the temptation of lust. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

 

Word Studies:

 

10:12 play the men = show our courage; 11:1 the year was expired = in the spring of the year; 11:8 mess of meat = a gift of food from the king; 12:4 spared = refused; 12:11 in the sight of this sun = publicly for all Israel to know; 12:31 put them under saws = enslaved, made to work with saws.

 

Christ Revealed:

 

In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah which means beloved of the Lord (II Samuel 12:24-25) Christ was greatly loved by the Father. Jesus prayed: You loved Me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for BP Staff: Rita Guerra · Country: Sweden (9 million) in northern Europe · Major language: Swedish · Religious freedom · 66% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your deliverer (Jonah 2:5-6).

 

Optional Reading: Acts 15

 

Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 5:16